Cannabis Terms 101
As the popularity of cannabis grows and the research into the plant itself deepens, the language surrounding cannabis is constantly shifting as well. Whether you’re new to cannabis or just want to further your knowledge of the plant, we’ve assembled a little glossary to help you understand the latest lingo.
Blunt:
Traditionally, a blunt is cannabis wrapped in a tobacco leaf cigar or cigarillo paper. However, there are now hemp wraps, palm wraps, and even many wraps made from Ayurvedic leaves, for the smoker who wants to avoid tobacco. Blunts are often larger and burn longer than joints and are great for sharing amongst friends.
Bong:
A large pipe that uses water to diffuse and cool the smoke, often made of glass. Other popular materials include, silicon, plastic, wood, and ceramic. It is the preferred smoking method for many because it makes smoking a smoother experience.
Budtender:
A very helpful person who works for a dispensary and can help guide you to the right products for you. If you tell them exactly what your goals are with cannabis, they are very knowledgeable on what that particular dispensary has and what may be right for you and your goals.
Cannabinoid:
Cannabinoids are the unique chemical compounds that make up cannabis and interact with receptors in the human body to create various effects. Over 100 have been discovered, the most commonly known are THC, CBD, and CBN.
Cannabis:
A multi-use plant that smells great, tastes great and has many uses for health, wellness, and all over happiness.
CBD/Cannabidiol:
CBD is the abbreviation of cannabidiol, one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Research shows that CBD can effectively treat pain, inflammation, and anxiety, without the psychoactive effects usually associated with cannabis.
Cultivar:
A term gaining popularity to distinguish between different variants of the cannabis plant. Terms like indica and sativa, are slowly falling to the wayside as we learn more about cannabis. As the plant becomes steadily more hybridized, the differences between each varietal become more nuanced as well. Researchers, growers, and users alike, are all beginning to talk more about the full terpene profile and how cannabinoids work symbiotically to create an Entourage Effect.
Dab/Dabbing:
A dab is a slang term for a dose of highly potent cannabis concentrates — wax, shatter, or butane hash oil — that are then “dabbed” onto a very hot surface and inhaled. “Dabbing” is the action of smoking the dab.
Dank:
A slang term to describe very good weed.
Decarboxylation:
The process in which the extra carboxyl ring is removed from the cannabinoids in raw cannabis flower so that we are able to feel the psychoactive effects. Decarboxylation, called decarbing for short, is often achieved through heating raw flower at a low temperature or through the act of smoking.
Distillate:
Another word for a highly concentrated cannabis extract. It is runny in texture and is widely used across the cannabis market to infuse various products. It can be used to infuse edibles and topicals, but can also be used on its own for dabbing and vaporizing.
Dispensary:
Any business or location where patients and recreational users can buy cannabis legally. Dispensaries can include a co-op, access point, retail storefront, collective, or distributor.
Edible:
Edibles are any edible product that has been infused with cannabis. That can include anything from cookies and brownies to coffee drinks, candies, and cooking oils. The active cannabinoids in edibles enter your system through your digestive system and therefore take longer to take effect than smoking. However, the high can be more intense and last longer than smoking as well.
Entourage Effect:
The concept that all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant work more effectively together as a whole, than if they were working separately.
Flower:
A term to describe the buds that flower off of the female cannabis plant that are turned into what you smoke. They are often sticky, aromatic, and covered in little crystals, also known as trichomes.
Hash:
Sometimes called hashish, hash is the highly potent resin found in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Once the trichomes have been removed from the plant, they are typically pressed and are ready to be used. It can be used in cooking, rolled into a joint, or smoked in a bong or vaporizer.
Hemp:
A cannabis plant that has a concentration of less than .3% of THC, therefore making it non-psychoactive. The hemp plant can be used to make CBD products but also, rope, paper, and strong fabrics.
Indica vs. Sativa:
A common way to differentiate between different types of cannabis. Indica is known for having relaxing properties while sativa is known for having an energizing effect. However, as research into different cultivars of cannabis grows, this term becomes less and less accurate.
Joint/Pre-Roll:
A joint is a cannabis filled cigarette that is rolled by hand or by a rolling machine. Joint papers are cigarette-like but are often made from hemp and other plant-based materials. A pre-roll is a joint that has been rolled for you sold at your local dispensary, often in packs or individually.
Kief:
A collection of the sticky trichomes that have been separated from the cannabis plant. Kief is known to be incredibly strong and is the main component of hash. Many use it to top off their bong or gently roll their joint in it for stronger effects.
Puff Puff Pass:
The customary way to smoke a joint or blunt while in a group. For example, you take 2 puffs of your smoking device of choice, and then pass it to the next person.
THC/Tetrahydrocannabinol:
Tetrahydrocannabinol, also called Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most famous and the most commonly found cannabinoid in cannabis. Abbreviated as THC, tetrahydrocannabinol is also responsible for the psychoactive effects, or the high, that is typically expected from weed. Used both recreationally and medically, it can aid in treating anxiety, pain, sleeplessness, and many other ailments.
Roach:
When a joint or blunt is almost finished you are left with a little bit that can be difficult to handle and smoke. This is called a roach. Sometimes it is simply thrown out or some will use a roach clip to smoke it to completion.
Shatter:
A potent cannabis extract, known for its brittle, glass-like texture. It is commonly used for dabbing and sometimes cooking.
Stoner:
One of the oldest terms to describe someone who loves to smoke weed. Origins are unclear, but it may come from the term “stoned”, which has been used to describe intoxicated people since the 1930s.
Strain:
A way to describe different variants of the cannabis plant.
Terpene:
Terpenes are a family of organic compounds found in plants that create scent and flavor. In other words they are responsible for the signature scents found in cannabis. They can range anywhere from lemon and lavender to pine and skunk. In cannabis specifically, terpenes interact with other cannabinoids to change and enhance certain effects of the plant.
Tincture:
A liquid cannabis extract usually made with alcohol or glycerin. You can ingest it either sublingually, where effects will kick in quickly, or like an edible through your digestive tract, where effects may take more than an hour to start sinking in.
Topical:
A cannabis infused product like lotions, balms, and sprays, that are designed to be used on the outside of the body and absorbed through the skin. They are curated to treat anything from injuries and pain, to inflammation and dryness.
Trichome:
Trichomes are the resin production glands of the cannabis plant. They give cannabis buds their sticky, crystal-like, and sometimes hairy appearance. These glands are responsible for producing THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, and are therefore the most potent part of the plant.
Weed/Marijuana/Green/Pot/Dope/Bud/Wacky Tobaccy:
Slang terms you may hear for cannabis.
4/20:
A common date and time that cannabis lovers celebrate. The term may have started as a code amongst California high schoolers in the 1970s. For them, it was the perfect time to smoke. School was out, but their parents were still busy at their 9 to 5. It eventually transformed into a code to talk about smoking in front of unsuspecting adults and spread from there.